All inmates escape Luebo prison in Congo's Kasaï region

Luebo prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasaï province is now empty after at least 50 inmates escaped overnight on July 31. The mass breakout, confirmed by territorial administrator Jean Tshiawuke wa Tshiawuke on August 1, is described as a "well-prepared" operation. According to Tshiawuke, security agents may have been involved in facilitating the escape, which allowed all prisoners, including those deemed dangerous, to flee the facility. The inmates reportedly forced their way out by destroying the prison's doors and security equipment, rather than opening the locks. Three weapons were also stolen during the escape, and prison guards have since abandoned their posts. The territorial administrator expressed deep concern over the security implications for the region, stating, "No prisoner is in the prison enclosure. We are in insecurity." He has appealed to security services to apprehend the fugitives and has called on the local population to report any escaped inmates they encounter. "Wherever they see a prisoner, they should help the state to return them to prison so that justice can do its work," Tshiawuke urged, emphasizing the need for swift action to restore order and safety in Luebo.

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No prisoner is in the prison enclosure. We are in insecurity.